Palace Theatre

72 S. Main Street,
Crossville, TN 38555

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Related Websites

Palace Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Crescent Amusement Co.

Architects: Eston Smith

Functions: Community Arts Center

Styles: Art Deco, Streamline Moderne

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 931.484.6133

Nearby Theaters

Palace Theatre

Opened around 1940, the Palace Theatre is an interesting statement of both architectural style and recreational use for a small town. Its architect made use of local Crab Orchard Stone. The three story building’s exterior design combines elements of both Art Deco and Art Moderne styles.

Art Deco defines the interior design. Side walls are recessed panels delineated by the concrete blocks that step forward towards the auditorium creating vertical columns. Set in the center are bulls eye wall sconces. During its renovation, turquoise and salmon colors were reintroduced on the walls and in the paisley carpet.

By 1950 the Palace Theatre was operated by the Nashville, TN based Crescent Amusement Co. It was still open as a movie theatre in 1957. Currently, the Palace Theatre is being use as a community arts center. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

Contributed by Cumberland County Executive Brock Hill

Recent comments (view all 21 comments)

sdoerr
sdoerr on February 24, 2007 at 10:29 pm

Restoration architects were Sparkman & Associates Architects, Inc.

movieboi
movieboi on June 20, 2008 at 12:23 pm

Hi all,

If anyone can remember me Im the little boy who basically lived in the theater throughout my young and teen years. This landmark means more to me and my life than anyone can image. My memories of the theater are full of excitement and joy as I didn’t realize how lucky I was until now as i look back in time with my family who used to run it. Yes My Grandfather Leon Smith (Bud) ran the theater some 35 years and was the projectionist 10 years before that when Eddy johnson was the manager.My memory will always be where my playground was and still is in my hart and mind.

Curtis Smith
http://www.curtissmithphotograph.com

Patsy
Patsy on December 30, 2009 at 6:56 pm

The stone facade on this theatre is truly amazing and very unique!

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on February 22, 2010 at 9:45 am

Nice looking theatre will have to drive over from Nashville to check it out.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on January 5, 2011 at 7:09 pm

Well.have you driven over yet.LOL.

TN_Fisherman
TN_Fisherman on November 11, 2013 at 8:33 am

I am a 2nd generation ‘Homesteader’. Spent many hours viewing ‘movies’ at Palace Theater!! Cumberland Homesteads was 5 miles from Crossville….

To TLSLOEWS — FYI — Lots of places to make your ‘trip’ to Crossville to see Palace enjoyable: May I suggest you visit Cumberland Homestead (and Homestead House) Museums, and Cumberland Mtn State Park which has a wonderful restaurant….

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on April 16, 2015 at 9:36 pm

Here is a 1952 photo of Crossville’s Main Street with the Palace Theatre at left.

Patsy
Patsy on April 17, 2015 at 7:41 am

Nice to see the NRHP designation in 1993.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on May 26, 2019 at 1:00 pm

Six 2019 photos added credit Society for Commercial Archeology. Lobby and auditorium.

Trolleyguy
Trolleyguy on December 7, 2022 at 11:47 am

Nice story and history here with interior pictures. Palace

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